Cast
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Wayne Grace
as Jim
Gordon Ross
as J.P.
Jim Hess
as Howard
Gerald T. Moran
as Robert
Roberto Caruso
as Alex
Gregg Berger
as Senator Gordon
Paul Tulley
as Edgar
David Hirokane
as Takashi
Patricia McPherson
as Sue
Rebecca Tarrant
as Kamala
James Hong
as Dr. Chin
Arnie Koslov
as Dr. Bray
Rocco Dal Vera
as Bruce
Jean Doral
as Ann
Don Messick
as Abacus
Crew
Director
- Patty Newman
Writer
- Patty Newman
- Patrea Post
Producer
- Ted Loeffler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Libra explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Patty Newman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Libra took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 39 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 65 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Libra shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Money Masters, which focuses more on action than character development, Libra offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Yes Men and Inside Job explore similar territory, Libra stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1978
- Runtime: 39m
